Ollie is an incredible student. She’s consistently acknowledged by teachers for her academic skill and her desire to help others.”

Ms. Steen

The Hastings Area Rotary Club meets on Thursday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30 at the 2nd Street Depot.

The Hastings Area Rotary Club shined a spotlight on exceptional youth at their April 17 meeting, held bright and early at the 2nd Street Depot. This week’s focus was the club’s cherished tradition: honoring Hastings High School’s Student of the Month. And this time, the applause, and a very large ceremonial check, went to senior Ollie Pfeiffer.
Introduced by teacher Ms. Steen, who submitted the nomination, Ollie was recognized for her academic excellence, dedication to others, and passion for communication, creativity, and community.
“Ollie is an incredible student,” Steen wrote in her heartfelt nomination. “She’s consistently acknowledged by teachers for her academic skill and her desire to help others.” Steen highlighted Ollie’s 3.8 GPA, her AP coursework, and her strong presence in the classroom, in the Writing Center, and on the stage in HHS theater productions.
“She’s a talented writer,” Steen continued, “and has a deep care for storytelling that shines not only in her writing but in the way she shows up in all of her classes and relationships.”
When Ollie took the mic, her words showed that passion in real time.
A Voice with Purpose
“I'm incredibly proud to be up here,” Ollie began, addressing the room with a mix of humility and poise that belied her age. “This award not only encompasses my passions that I’ve strived to accomplish throughout my high school career but the connections and community I've made along the way.”
Ollie’s speech emphasized the role of community in her life, especially her theater family. She spoke about the importance of upperclassmen setting the tone for inclusivity and high standards, saying, “We are the ones they look up to.” Creating a welcoming environment in the theater program has been a mission of hers, and she’s proud of the legacy she leaves behind.
Ollie also thanked her English and Spanish teachers, noting how their encouragement shaped her growth. “Communication, both written and spoken, is something I hold to the utmost importance in my life,” she said, crediting mentors like Mr. Willette, Ms. Gapinski, and Mr. Dugstad for helping her sharpen those skills.
Creative Drive and Real-World Experience
Outside of class, Ollie has poured her energy into projects like the school’s Writing Center, where she helps students at all levels refine their writing. She’s also a key contributor to Riders in Action, a student journalism initiative that has produced over a dozen segments this year, spotlighting everything from school events to community service.
As for her creative pursuits? When she’s not anchoring or editing, Ollie is world-building, literally. “I play Dungeons and Dragons,” she said with a grin during the Q&A portion. “I write my own stories for campaigns, and I have a bunch of story ideas backed up in my Google Docs.”
This passion for storytelling has already extended beyond high school. Through Stillwater’s StoryArk, she’s mentored younger writers during summer programs, helping them find their voices while nurturing her own.
A Bright Future
Ollie plans to attend Hamline University in St. Paul this fall, exploring a future in education, communications, or theater. Her dream? Possibly becoming an English teacher or pursuing acting.
“I especially see myself in the world of education,” she shared. “Many of my role models have been my teachers. Their voices not only create change, they are the change.”
Several Rotary members, many with ties to education and the arts, chimed in during the meeting. One mentioned the George Vane International Travel Program at Hamline, encouraging Ollie to explore the opportunities it offers. Another praised her poise and clarity, noting her talent for public speaking, a skill she’s honed through both theater and her recent college public speaking class.
She also tackled a question about AI in the classroom, sharing how Writing Center mentors are being trained to recognize AI-generated content. “You can kind of tell the difference,” she said, describing how they handle suspected cases by collaborating with teachers.
Cheers, Laughter, and a Little Bathroom Talk
The meeting wasn’t all formalities. True to Rotary tradition, a few lighthearted questions rounded out the morning, like the ever popular “How’s the bedroom?” Ollie and her parents laughed, admitting the bedroom was surprisingly clean, though the bathroom was “iffy.”
Ollie’s parents, clearly beaming with pride, sat nearby along with her teachers and mentors. “She did all the work herself,” her father said. “It’s been truly entertaining to watch her perform and write.”
Ms. Steen, who nominated her, spoke with emotion about Ollie’s character. “She doesn’t always see how amazing she is,” she said. “But she’s always thinking of others.”
A Student Worth Celebrating
As the meeting drew to a close, the club presented Ollie with a symbolic check and a plaque, followed by group photos and more well-deserved congratulations.
In an era where students face mounting pressures, Ollie Pfeiffer’s story is a reminder of what genuine passion, hard work, and kindness can achieve. Her voice is clear, her message is strong, and her future is wide open.
Congratulations, Ollie, from your Rotary community and beyond.

The Hastings Area Rotary Club meets on Thursday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30 at the 2nd Street Depot. Each month during the school year, they recognize a Hastings High School senior for outstanding contributions in academics, leadership, and community service.